The Kitchin Group launches first University scholarship

Edinburgh’s Kitchin Group has teamed up with Queen Margaret University (QMU) to launch a scholarship programme to help hospitality students fund their studies.

The Annual Award for Excellence will offer students the chance to apply for the scholarship each year over the next three years.

They will also be given the chance to undertake work experience within the group’s three Edinburgh restaurants, the Michelin-starred The Kitchin restaurant, led by chef Tom Kitchin, the Castle Terrace and The Scran & Scallie, which holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

The announcement comes after a study by People 1st​ warned that restaurants and catering colleges needed to work more closely​​ together to prevent a stream of young chefs leaving the industry.

Professor Monika Foster, head of division of business, enterprise and management at QMU, says the courses will provide the Kitchin Group with a supply of ‘talented’ young people.

“We’re extremely grateful to Kitchin Group for its investment in student learning that will help us identify, nurture and develop talented, willing and enthusiastic students to ensure a professional supply of exceptional personnel for businesses such as Kitchin Group to inspire each guest with true and professional Scottish hospitality,” says Foster.

“The combination of talented students who have both solid work experience with a leading hospitality organisation, and excellent academic knowledge, will help to create future managers who can raise industry standards.”

QMU has been teaching hospitality and tourism courses for 140 years and its programmes include an MSc in Gastronomy.

The first QMU student to be awarded the Kitchin Group Annual Award for Excellence will be announced at the end of 2017.